
October 2005: This early image of the Aquatics Centre site shows some of the disused land before it was handed over to London 2012.

April 2007: Some of the old buildings on the 9.3 hectare site before demolition began.

July 2007: Nearly 10,000 tonnes of polluted soil on the site had to be cleaned. Pollutants including petrol, tar, solvents and lead had to be removed.

August 2007: The former Carpenters Road was home to car garages and other businesses. Some 20 buildings had to be demolished and businesses relocated.

February 2008: Work was carried out on the site to prepare for the start of construction in the summer of 2008.

April 2008: 700 steel piles were driven 18 metres into the ground along the banks of the River Lea next to the site of the Aquatics Centre. The river was widened by eight metres making it more accessible, and the 1930s concrete river walls were removed.

August 2008: Construction of the concrete foundations that will support the wave-like roof of the building.

September 2008: The first major concrete pour on the Aquatics Centre site helped form the south wall of the building. The wall will support the 2,800 tonne steel roof.

December 2008: The south wall can be seen out of the ground as work continues well after sunset on the site. When complete, the Aquatics Centre will become the main 'gateway to the Games'.